We’re dual-qualified. That means we’ve obtained both a dental and medical degree, and we’ve also completed several years of surgical training in hospitals. In other words, we’re specialists who handle the more complex end of oral, facial and jaw surgery.

We’re the team you’ll see if you need things like:

Complex or impacted wisdom teeth removed
Dental implants where bone is missing
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) for alignment problems
Bone grafts or facial trauma surgery
Removal of oral cysts or tumours

So where does your dentist come in?

Think of your dentist like your GP, but for your mouth. They look after your general oral health, preventive care, fillings, and cleans. They’re usually the first person you see when something’s wrong with your teeth.

But just like your GP might refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon for a hip replacement, your dentist will refer you to us when something more surgical is needed.

If your wisdom teeth are deeply impacted, or if you’re considering dental implants and your jawbone is not quite up to the task, they’ll refer you to someone like us – an oral and maxillofacial surgeon – for a more in-depth assessment and treatment.

We work alongside dentists to provide the next level of care, especially when surgery is involved.

Dr Felix Sim

Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne

Can’t a dentist do implants or remove wisdom teeth too?

Yes, absolutely. Many general dentists do straightforward wisdom tooth extractions or place dental implants and they do it very well.

But not all cases are straightforward.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons like us step in when:

A tooth is impacted or stuck beneath the gum or bone
There’s a higher risk of complications (e.g. nerve proximity or medical conditions)
You need general anaesthetic in a hospital setting
You’ve lost bone in the jaw and need grafting before an implant
The case requires reconstruction or advanced surgical planning

So, while your dentist might handle a simple dental implant in a healthy jaw, if things get more complex, they’ll refer you to us for that added level of surgical expertise.

Working together for better results

Dentists and oral & maxillofacial surgeons often work hand-in-hand to get the best outcome for you.

Your dentist may be the one who identifies the issue and refers you to us for treatment. After we perform the surgery, whether it’s removing teeth or placing implants, they might take over your ongoing care, such as crafting the final implant crown or doing follow-up check-ups.

We each bring our own expertise to the table:

The dentist knows your oral history and handles routine care.
The oral & maxillofacial surgeon manages the complex procedure.
We work together to make your treatment as smooth as possible.